“There is nothing more contemptible than a bald man who pretends to have hair.” –Martial

There’s nothing worse in the world of science than spending your life working your heart out on a problem… and getting scooped by someone who did your work just a little bit faster and a little bit better.

And — in the world of style — there’s no worse fate for a bald man than to choose the combover as their hairstyle-of-choice. Yet despite falling victim to both of these tragedies, John Couch Adams managed to rise above both of them and contribute some amazing, lasting science and a tremendous, stylish legacy.